Whether backing Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton or Australia’s own Oscar Piastri, Formula One fans are likely to appreciate the Sunshine Coast’s newest hospitality offering.
F1 enthusiasts – along with lovers of good food and coffee – are flocking to new Golden Beach cafe Torque, with many already stopping to snap photos beside its striking Formula One-themed mural.
Owner Wesley Thompson said the cafe’s name comes from two of his passions: Formula One and community connection.
“The name comes from ‘talk’. We wanted people to go and have a chat, sit back and enjoy,” he said.
“But we wanted it to refer to something more. Everything is so transient these days. So, then that relayed into Torque.
“My son used to race go karts when he was younger and so did I.”
The Formula 1 influence runs through the Torque menu with a series of themed New York deli-style sandwiches available.
Customers can back Aussie favourites with the Oscar Piastri Pastrami, a Daniel Ricciardo chicken and avocado sandwich or the Mark Webber: turkey, cranberry and brie.
There is also a mortadella and stracciatella sandwich inspired by Max Verstappen, while rising Italian star Kimi Antonelli, who is currently leading the 2026 championship standings, has inspired the cafe’s Caesar ciabatta.
One driver notably missing from the menu is reigning world champion and McLaren driver Lando Norris.
Mr Thompson laughed, “I’m not a Lando fan. He didn’t make the cut.”
While the Formula One-inspired sandwiches are proving popular, the menu also gives a nod to classic Country Women’s Association-style favourites with corned beef, mustard and pickles, curried egg and other old-school sandwich fillings featured alongside cakes, coffee and breakfast options.
The new venue is the latest move for Mr Thompson and his business partners, who also own popular Moffat Beach business Jericho.
“Everyone says our venues are so relaxing, that’s the environment we want to create … we want people to feel comfortable.”
From music and menu choice, right down to logos and restaurant styling, Mr Thompson said he considered each element carefully to create the best space he could. They also source as much local produce as possible.
With a background in corporate hospitality, his personal experience runs deep. The industry, particularly understanding the value of good quality pub fare, has been a mainstay in Mr Thompson’s life, with four generations of his family working in pubs and hotels dating back decades.
“I grew up under a pool table. My dad owned pubs when I was a kid.”
“I learned a lot what to do off him, and not what to do.
“My grandfather owned a pub too. Even my great grandfather. He had the old pub in Childers.”
Mr Thompson said Torque and Jericho strongly focused on locals and community.
“We can’t just rely on tourists. It’s about the locals. We do what we can for the community,” he said.
“We employ 45 staff across both venues and that’s our way of giving back. They are all locals.
“The staff are always smiling, and they leave smiling. That’s a testament to how we work.”
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Torque, which is located along Landsborough Parade, is open seven days a week, with plans for live music and events in the works.
As for who Mr Thompson believes will take out this year’s Formula One title, he did not hesitate.
“World champion will be my boy Kimi,” he said.
“Or Oscar, but he doesn’t have the car under him this year. So yeah, I’d say Kimi.”
